Two Aegean icons in one sail day. This private cruise links the ancient site of Delos with the calm, swim-friendly bays of Rhenia, all from a boat day that also builds in breaks to eat, drink, and cool off. It is laid-back, but still structured enough that you do not lose the day to planning.

I especially like the mix of options: you can go ashore for Delos archaeology and museum time, or stay on deck and let the sea do the work. I also love that the crew makes it feel personal, with friendly conversation that can turn the day from just sightseeing into something you remember.

One simple catch: a beach towel is not included, so plan to bring one (or you may end up improvising).

Key takeaways

• Private boat day means only your group is onboard, with time and space that feels easier with kids or grandparents
• Delos plus Rhenia gives you both archaeology and clear-water swimming, not just one type of day
• Snorkeling equipment and SUP are included, so you can switch up activities without extra stops
• Lunch and Greek drinks are built in, including chilled Greek wine, beer, soda, water, and coffee/tea
• You cruise past key Mykonos sights on the way back, including the windmills, Little Venice, and the Old Port

A private Delos and Rhenia cruise that actually feels like a break

Mykonos can be fun, but it can also be noisy. This cruise is a clean escape: you leave from the Mykonos New Port area in the morning, spend the day between islands, and come back by mid-afternoon for the standard schedule. The “private” part matters here. Smaller group energy changes how the day feels. You are not squeezed into a big crowd, and the captain and crew can work with your pace.

The day is also practical. It is not a checklist of ten stops. You get two major island moments (Delos and Rhenia), plus a relaxed return route that gives you a view of Mykonos landmarks from the water. If you want a Mykonos day that is more sea-and-sun than line-and-wait, this one fits.

Timing and pacing: 9:00 start, about 3 hours in the water

The typical schedule runs about 6 hours. You start at 09:00 from the Mykonos New Port area and sail about 1 hour to Delos. From there, you move on to Rhenia, where you have around three hours for swimming or snorkeling and time to enjoy lunch aboard.

You should also know there is a different format in the afternoon: the cruise can depart around 4:00 or 4:30 pm and last until sunset. So you have a choice depending on your style. Morning is best if you want a full, active day with time back in Mykonos afterward. Late-day is best if your priority is the light and the golden-hour feeling.

Either way, the cruise is designed around sea time, not long land wandering. If you want a slow, museum-heavy plan, you may find the pace a bit brisk. But if you want to combine culture with real swim time, the rhythm is a good match.

Stop 1: Delos archaeology and museum time, or skip ashore and relax

Delos is the big ancient-site draw. The cruise gives you the option to visit the archaeological site and museum once you arrive. That choice is useful because people travel at different speeds. If your group includes history lovers, you can build in time to explore. If someone in your group is less interested in walking, they can stay onboard, hang out on deck, and enjoy the views.

This is one place where timing and expectations matter. Delos is not a quick photo stop. Even if you do not choose the museum, you’ll likely want to bring comfortable walking shoes and expect some walking and sun exposure. The tradeoff is worth it for many people: Delos is the kind of place that makes Mykonos feel bigger than the beach clubs and windmills.

If you do go ashore, keep an eye on meeting points and return timing. Private doesn’t mean unlimited flexibility once the sailing schedule is set; it means your group gets the boat you need without crowds forcing the pace.

Rhenia swim and snorkel time: clear water, bays, coves, and easy fun

Rhenia is where the day turns into a water playground. The cruise sails across a narrow strait to the island’s unspoiled bays, coves, and pristine beaches. You then get about three hours to swim or snorkel in transparent water.

This part is ideal because it is not “touristy water.” You are there long enough to do more than one lap. You can snorkel, take a break, float, and then snorkel again if you still have energy. The water-based setup also works for mixed-age groups. One person can focus on snorkeling while another is content to drift and watch the surface.

And the extra activity support helps. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can also use SUP (stand up paddle board) while you’re there. That means you are not stuck doing just one thing. If your group has different activity preferences, this reduces the “what do you want to do now?” problem.

Bring a little patience too. Sea days run on weather. If the day is breezy or the water conditions shift, you might adapt your plan. That is normal here, and it is usually better than trying to force the schedule.

Lunch and the Greek drinks onboard: part of the value, not an afterthought

The meal is a standout on this cruise. Lunch is served onboard and designed around local flavors, with local specialties and chilled Greek wine. On top of that, you get beer/white wine, plus soda, bottled water, and coffee and/or tea.

The best way to think about the food value: you are paying once for the day, and the cruise covers the refueling. That saves money and hassle versus trying to plan meals around boat schedules in Mykonos. It also keeps you from losing daylight to hunger.

A few practical notes that matter in real life:

• You’ll eat while you’re on the water, so go easy on heavy, messy stuff.
• The wine and beer are included, so if you’re traveling as a group, you might coordinate to avoid everyone ordering different drinks later.
• If you are bringing kids, the meal timing plus water time tends to make for a smoother day.

Even the small details can affect comfort. One nice touch mentioned in feedback is that the onboard bathroom was kept very clean, which matters more than people think when you’re out for hours.

Mykonos landmarks from the water: windmills, Little Venice, and the Old Port

After the Rhenia time, the cruise returns to Mykonos around 15:00 for the standard schedule. On the way back, you pass by and take in Mykonos sights such as the Windmills (Kato Milli), Little Venice, and Mykonos Old Port.

This is a smart add-on. It gives you visual payoff without requiring you to squeeze sightseeing into the exact same time window you were snorkeling. From a boat, these landmarks read differently. You get angles that are hard to replicate from sidewalks, and it feels more like a “Mykonos experience” than a stop-and-sprint.

If you are planning photos, do not wait until you’re docked. The best moments tend to be while the cruise is moving past. Keep your phone charged, because you’ll want proof that you really did get this kind of view.

What’s included, what’s not, and what you should pack

This cruise is designed to be all-inclusive in a way that actually matters. Included items are:

• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Lunch
• Soda/pop
• Bottled water
• Coffee and/or tea
• Use of SUP
• Alcoholic beverages (beer and white wine)

Not included is the obvious practical thing: beach towel. Pack one. If you forget, you’ll end up finding one on the island at the last second, which is never fun.

Other things to plan for, based on how a sea day works:

• Swimwear you can dry easily
• Sunscreen and a hat (you’ll likely be out in daylight for several hours)
• A simple cover-up for the boat ride between activities
• Comfortable walking shoes if you choose Delos site and museum time

Also, a quick comfort note: this is near public transportation, so getting to the meeting point is usually manageable. If you have mobility needs, you should still consider that any choice to go ashore at Delos includes walking on uneven surfaces. The good news is that the cruise is private, so your group can decide who goes where.

Who this cruise suits best (and who might find it less ideal)

This is especially good for families and mixed groups. When you have kids (or grandparents) in the group, a private day can be a lifesaver. You get multiple activity types: sightseeing for adults at Delos, swimming for everyone at Rhenia, and a relaxed onboard meal in the middle. People can spread out their interests instead of everyone doing the same exact thing.

It’s also a strong fit if you hate the stress of ferry schedules. This is island-to-island cruising as part of the day’s plan, not an “arrive and figure it out” approach. The day stays focused.

Where it may feel less ideal is if your main goal is a long, slow museum visit. The structure is built around sailing and water time, not a full, in-depth land-only day. If your heart is set on hours in a museum, you might prefer a different plan and keep this one for the swim-and-sun portion.

Price and value: why the included stuff matters here

At $541.85 per person, this is not a budget impulse buy. The question is what you are getting for that price. Here, the value comes from the bundle:

• You are paying for a private boat day
• You get snorkeling equipment and SUP
• You get lunch plus drinks (including wine/beer)
• You avoid having to cobble together transport + meals + activity gear

In other words, you are not just paying to get out on the water. You are paying for a day where key expenses are handled in one go. For groups that would otherwise spend on boat tickets, separate gear rentals, and onboard meals, this kind of package can feel more sensible.

If you are traveling solo, it can still be worth it if privacy and a custom pace are your top priorities. But with any private experience, group size changes the math. If you can bring a few people, the overall feeling tends to be more worth it.

Notes on the crew and the feel of the day

One of the most practical strengths here is the crew’s friendly attention. People highlight easy conversation with the captain and host, including named staff such as Evgeniya and John. That matters because on a sea day, you rely on the captain for safe navigation and on the host for smooth timing.

It also helps that the day can feel flexible. Feedback mentions the team adapting to the group’s schedule, which is exactly what you want when you have kids, different walking comfort levels, or just varying energy across a half day.

Should you book this Delos and Rhenia private cruise?

Book it if you want a structured but relaxed Mykonos day that mixes one major ancient stop with real swimming time. The included snorkeling equipment, SUP access, and onboard lunch with Greek wine are the kinds of details that turn “a boat tour” into an actual plan you can trust.

Skip it (or consider an alternative) if your top priority is a long, slow land museum experience. Delos gets time, but the day is also built around Rhenia’s water. And do remember the simple thing: bring a beach towel, since the cruise does not provide one.

FAQ

How long is the Delos and Rhenia private cruise?

It runs for about 6 hours.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at Mykonos New Port and ends back at the meeting point.

What stops are included during the cruise?

The cruise includes Delos, and it also passes the Windmills (Kato Milli), Little Venice, and Mykonos Old Port.

Is time for swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. At Rhenia, you’ll have around three hours to swim or snorkel.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, along with soda/pop, bottled water, coffee and/or tea, and alcoholic beverages such as beer and white wine.

Do you have the option to visit Delos on land?

Yes. You can visit the archaeological site and museum, or stay onboard and relax.

Is a beach towel included?

No. A beach towel is not included.

What’s the cancellation and weather policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.